Current Grant Opportunities

Seattle Foundation offers competitive grant opportunities to support local community organizations.

Seattle Foundation runs a variety of competitive grant cycles throughout the year that are open to eligible local nonprofits. This page is updated regularly with all our open grant cycles along with currently closed, but scheduled to repeat grant cycles. Please email grantmaking@seattlefoundation.org or call 206.515.2109 with any questions.

Current Opportunities

Youth Grantmaking Board RFP

Applications must be received by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.

Supported by Foundation staff and community experts, the Youth Grantmaking Board (YGB)
helps young people learn how philanthropy can create positive change in
their community by giving them the opportunity to take the lead on all
phases of grantmaking.

The 2020 Youth Grantmaking Board invites proposals from established 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, or those under the fiscal sponsorship of 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, focused on focused on two complimentary Seattle Foundation priorities, Climate Justice and Catalyzing Community.

The Medical Funds

The deadline to apply is April 15, 2020.

Seattle Foundation administers the Medical Funds program to support medical research of potential benefit to the community and to address specific healthcare needs. All applicant organizations must be located primarily in King County and qualify as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Code.

A total amount of $200,000 is available for grants annually. Typically no more than $25,000 is disbursed to any one organization. For more information and to apply visit the online application. Please contact Tom McIntire for any questions at 206.515.2120.

Vibrant Democracy Initiative Partnership Mobilization Grants

Proposals are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Through the Partnership Mobilization program, part of Seattle Foundation's Vibrant Democracy Initiative, nonprofit partnerships can apply for a total of up to $30,000 to fund partnerships that strengthen the civic voice and participation of underrepresented communities to increase racial and economic equity. Grants range from $2,000 - $10,000 per partner organization. These grants are flexible, one-time investments to existing and emerging partnerships and coalitions to develop or strengthen organizational relationships and collaboration and to reduce the barriers in building partnerships and relationships. Groups may self-define the nature of their partnerships (e.g., ethnicity, geography, service area, issue, etc.). Grant dollars will support planning, coordination, staff time, facilitation and other costs associated with building partnerships.

Proposals are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions within 60 days of submitting a proposal.

Norman Archibald Charitable Foundation

Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed at quarterly board meetings.

The Norman Archibald Charitable Foundation was established in 1976 directed by the Will of Norman S. Archibald to benefit nonprofit organizations serving the needs of Northwest Washington. After 40 years of operating as a private foundation, we have transitioned to a donor advised fund at Seattle Foundation.

The priority is to provide funding for capital and equipment projects to organizations working to improve the quality of life and benefit residents in Northwest Washington. Applications are accepted from nonprofit organizations with tax exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that operates within the Northwest Washington region.

If you are an arts or a youth arts related organization in King and Pierce counties, please contact ArtsFund, as Norman Archibald Charitable Foundation provided support for their grantmaking. Norman Archibald Charitable Foundation does not fund school foundations.

Neighbor to Neighbor

N2N awards grants on a quarterly basis. The deadlines for submitting applications are January 30, April 30, July 30 and October 30.

Neighbor to Neighbor (N2N) supports grassroots efforts that increase engagement, power and influence of community members affected by poverty and racial disparities. Priority is on efforts led by people from diverse and under-invested communities. Begun in 1991, the grant and technical assistance program is a key strategy of Seattle Foundation’s Center for Community Partnerships. Serving community-based organizations in South Seattle, White Center and Kent and focused on organizations with small budget sizes, N2N plays a crucial role in supporting the Foundation’s mission: to ignite powerful and rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

N2N awards grants on a quarterly basis. The deadlines for submitting applications are January 30, April 30, July 30 and October 30. Organizations are eligible for funding once per calendar year.

The Whitehorse Foundation

The Whitehorse Foundation was established in 1990 as a supporting organization of Seattle Foundation. The mission of The Whitehorse Foundation is to fund organizations working to improve the quality of life for residents of Snohomish County, Washington. The Foundation focuses on programs that address prevention of problems and community challenges rather than later interventions.

In particular, it funds comprehensive services that respond to the full range of child, youth and family needs. The Foundation seeks funding requests for programs and projects that:

Strengthen families’ capacity to support, nurture and guide their children

Involve families and residents in program design, development and management

Are responsive to cultural, gender, ability and racial differences

Preference is also given to funding requests for programs and projects that include other sources of funding and have strong community support.

There is a two-step application process. The first step is to submit a concise two-page letter of inquiry describing your project and request. The second step is to be invited to submit a full application if your request meets the Foundation’s funding criteria.

Closed Grant Cycles

Capacity Building

The most recent application cycle closed on November 1, 2019.

Seattle Foundation is committed to creating an inclusive community where all residents have equitable access to the benefits of a thriving and prosperous region. As Seattle Foundation has evolved, we have focused and prioritized our investment strategy on achieving greater racial and economic equity in the region so that all residents have fair and equitable opportunities to reach their full potential.

This evolution includes modifying our approach to our Nonprofit Effectiveness program. Going forward, while we will continue to support local capacity-building organizations, we will specifically prioritize investing in programs that increase the effectiveness and long-term stability of nonprofit organizations serving or based in communities of color. This approach ensures that our investments align more closely with our commitment to advancing racial equity and economic inclusion. It also allows us to explicitly address philanthropy’s chronic and historical under-investment in organizations for and led by communities of color and communities most impacted by injustices.

Regional Census Fund

The most recent application cycle closed on October 16, 2019.

The Regional Census Fund maximizes the impact of public and philanthropic resources to support the desired outcome of a robust, fair and accurate 2020 Census count across King County, Washington and to create a model for community mobilization beyond. Funding partners include Seattle Foundation, City of Seattle, City of Bellevue, City of Kirkland, City of Redmond, and King County. The fund is administered by Seattle Foundation.

Funding amounts range from $5,000-$20,000 and supports organizations in raising awareness around the 2020 Census, including outreach, education, and questionnaire assistance. This funding can support events, tabling, or other integration of census related activities. Organizations can request any amount within the range. Grant amounts will depend on scope of work.

Birkenfeld Memorial Trust Fund at Seattle Foundation

Before applying, please contact Claire Bishop at 206-799-8563 or barnacle96@outlook.com to ensure that your organization is a strong fit for our funding strategies.

The C. Keith Birkenfeld Memorial Trust was established in 2006 as an Area of Interest Fund of Seattle Foundation. We award capital campaign grants with priority given to projects in Kitsap, Mason Thurston and Jefferson Counties in Washigton and Columbia City in Oregon. We look for organizations that are working in the arts, horticulture, wildlife, maritime and human service sectors. The Trust continue Mr. Birkenfeld's philanthropy and his desire to inspire others to give.

Following thirteen years of grantmaking, The Trust will complete its work after the 2019 funding cycle.

Communities of Opportunity Systems and Policy Change

The most recent application cycle closed on September 16, 2019.

COO Systems & Policy Change RFP invites proposals from community-led and community-engaged efforts to transform systems and policies for stronger community connections, economic opportunity, better health, and/or housing that will decrease and/or prevent continued inequity in communities of color in King County. This is a two year grant cycle, organizations can apply for up to $100,000 annually, coalitions may apply for up to $200,000 annually.

Engagement Pipeline

The most recent application cycle closed on February 1, 2019. Stay tuned for any upcoming rounds of funding.

As part of our Vibrant Democracy Initiative, the Engagement Pipeline program focuses on strengthening the voice and participation of underrepresented communities to ensure more equitable systems change. The Engagement Pipeline invests in programs that build community power by strengthening individual leaders who participate in community change activities that mobilize the broader community. Three-year grants ranging from $75,000 to $125,000 per year will support organizations or networks of organizations working to increase the power of specific communities through leadership development and community mobilization.

Robert Chinn Foundation Grant Program

The most recent application cycle closed on June 28, 2019. Stay tuned for any upcoming rounds of funding.

Robert Chinn founded United Savings and Loan in 1960, the first Asian-owned bank in the United States. The family established a foundation in 1986 to honor Robert Chinn and continue his work of helping local neighbors through its mission to improve the civic, educational and cultural quality of life of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities. The Asian Resource Center was built in 1994 to further this mission and provide a location in the community for cultural, athletic, civic and educational programs. In 2004 the Asian Hall of Fame was established to honor achievement, inspire the next generation and build the national community of Asian Pacific Americans.

Priorities
With the sale of the Asian Resource Center in 2014, the foundation transitioned to a grant-based philanthropic organization. The Robert Chinn Foundation (RCF) Grant Program awards funds for specific projects and programs devoted to art, culture, health and youth development. Requests for operating grants, capital campaigns or to individuals will not be considered. The fund supports nonprofit organizations nationally serving children and families.

The RCF Grant Program will consider requests for program funding in the following areas:

Grants of up to $10,000 will be awarded. Organizations may apply every two years.

The Morgan Fund – Investment Grant Opportunity

The most recent application cycle closed on September 30, 2018. Stay tuned for upcoming rounds of funding in 2019.

The Morgan Fund, a Family Foundation at Seattle Foundation, supports performing arts organizations located in the Seattle/Western Washington and Washington, DC regions with a focus on dance and theatre. Proposals for Investment Grants ranging from $1,500 to $15,000 will be considered across a wide range of needs, such as equipment purchases and strategic business development, to help advance and deepen artistic quality. Applicant organizations must be a tax exempt nonprofit under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code or be fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)(3) organization. The Morgan Fund awards approximately $250,000.

Benjamin N Phillips Memorial Fund

We are modifying our 2020 grantmaking approach to better respond to the COVID - 19 crisis and will not be hosting an open application process. Funds will continue to support charitable organizations serving Clallam County, and will be distributed proactively through several phases. The first phase, focused on crisis response of organizations and Tribes on the frontlines, was committed the week of April 20, 2020. The remaining giving will be devoted to sustainability and recovery. Recipients will be selected before the end of the year and will support nonprofits organizations as they address sustainability and recovery.

Phillips was born in Akron, Colo., in 1888. After graduating from the University of Washington, he moved to Port Angeles in 1913 at the age of 25. The following year he opened the Port Angeles Trust & Savings Co., which became First National Bank, and was later absorbed by Bank of America. In addition to being a successful banker, he became an established community leader in Clallam County. A long-time member of the Library Board, Phillips enjoyed classical music, particularly through Seattle Opera and the Port Angeles Symphony. The Benjamin N. Phillips Memorial Fund was established to benefit Clallam County residents following the death of Phillips’ second wife.

Voter Education Fund

The most recent application cycle closed on April 1, 2019. Stay tuned for any upcoming rounds of funding.

Seattle Foundation and King County elections are partnering to increase engagement and voter participation through the Voter Education Fund. The partners have committed $950,000 in grants over the next two years to organizations working to address low voter turnout within marginalized communities. Selected organizations will be funded for two years and are expected to do voter outreach and activities for the 2019 and 2020 election cycles.

The Voter Education Fund will provide grants to organizations that work to reduce inequities in voting access in historically marginalized communities including, but not limited to, communities of color, people experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities, limited English speaking (LES), LGBTQ residents, formerly incarcerated individuals and residents in South King County. Applicants can apply for up to $40,000 to develop and implement a strategic, ongoing campaign to engage voters or potential voters, or up to $15,000 to provide a series of targeted events.

Creative Equity Fund

The most recent application cycle closed on August 17, 2018. Stay tuned for upcoming rounds of funding in 2019.

The Creative Equity Fund supports arts- and cultural-based strategies that build racial justice and address the structural racism impacting our communities. Arts and culture are powerful tools for engaging the community in collective change. They ignite civil discourse, inspire action, and help us imagine and advocate for a just world.

The Creative Equity Fund is administered by Seattle Foundation and made possible thanks to the generous support of a collective of funders, including ArtsFund, Seattle Office of Arts & Culture, Seattle Foundation, Macklemore, Nesholm Family Foundation and The Boeing Company. The Creative Equity Fund aims to direct at least $100,000 per year to support both arts and cultural groups and other community-based organizations located within King County that are by, for and about people of color and which use arts and culture strategies to work toward racial equity.

To apply, organizations must be based in King County, have 501C(3) status or be fiscally sponsored by one and must have two-thirds people of color on the board and staff, OR for a volunteer-led organization, leadership must be at least two-thirds people of color.

Please review this FAQ for a full list of criteria below before applying for a grant of no more than $25,000.

To help evaluate and measure how Seattle Foundation's support helped your organization, please complete and return the Grant Status Report within a year of receiving funding.

Seattle Foundation is a nonprofit, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization. Charity Navigator has awarded Seattle Foundation four out of a possible four stars for good governance and adhering to best practices.